Estimator Level II / III – Lead Preconstruction & Cost Estimating for Complex Federal Projects

Job Overview

Company: Semper Tek Inc.

Salary/Pay Rate: Starting at $140,000 per year, based on experience

Location: Lexington, KY – Office-Based

Job/Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Some weekend work may be required)

Work Environment: 100% In-Office with Travel and Jobsite Visits as Needed – Remote work is not available

Project Scope: Federal / State / Commercial Construction Projects

Mandatory Licenses & Certifications: Valid Driver’s License

The Opportunity

Semper Tek Inc. is seeking an experienced Estimator Level II / III to join our preconstruction team in Lexington, KY. This position will be responsible for developing accurate direct-cost estimates for single-discipline and multidiscipline construction projects while supporting projects from the initial bid phase through award and post-construction review.

The ideal candidate brings extensive construction estimating experience, a strong understanding of building systems and trade practices, and the ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs, evaluate subcontractor proposals, identify scope gaps, and develop competitive estimates.

This is a full-time, in-office position in Lexington. Remote work is not available.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Estimating & Bid Phase
• Receive, organize, and distribute design documents to internal team members, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Thoroughly review drawings, specifications, and other project documents to understand the complete scope of work.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analyses, estimates, and studies for assigned trades and building systems.
• Solicit subcontractor and vendor pricing and coordinate bid lists for budgets and competitive bids.
• Develop and maintain relationships with qualified subcontractors, vendors, and potential teaming partners.
• Prepare and submit Requests for Information (RFIs) to owner representatives when clarification is needed.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and subcontractor walkthroughs.
• Evaluate existing site conditions and identify potential scope not clearly represented within the design documents.
• Prepare subcontractor bid proposal forms and bid recording sheets.
• Analyze subcontractor and vendor proposals for completeness, exclusions, exceptions, and overall scope coverage.
• Identify potential scope gaps and overlaps before finalizing estimates.
• Ensure estimates reflect accurate and current pricing information, subcontractor bids, and established budgets.
• Incorporate detailed General Conditions into project estimates.
• Provide pricing for value engineering, alternates, options, and special studies.
• Support preparation and assembly of Lump Sum, Time & Material (T&M), and Not-to-Exceed (NTE) bids.
• Assist with establishing self-performance budgets and direct project costs.
• Coordinate operational input throughout the estimating, bidding, and budget-development process.
• After Award
• Review project activities and durations for preconstruction schedules.
• Prepare vendor reviews and assessment reports.
• Support the transition of estimating information to project operations.
• Assist with estimating and pricing project change orders as needed.
• Post-Construction
• Participate in project postmortem reviews to compare estimated versus actual performance.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor performance.
• Recommend modifications to approved vendor lists based on project outcomes and performance.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent construction operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of building construction, materials, systems, market conditions, and trade practices.
• Ability to thoroughly interpret estimating documents and provide accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Experience performing detailed construction quantity takeoffs and developing cost estimates.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor and vendor bid evaluation.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying and solving problems.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work independently and maintain accuracy under strict bid deadlines.
• Ability to work full-time from the Lexington office.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of related construction experience, including at least 5 years of estimating experience.
• Experience bidding federal and state-issued solicitations.
• Proficiency with Sage Estimating (formerly Timberline).
• Experience with construction management software such as Procore and ERP/accounting platforms.
• Proficiency with construction takeoff and estimating software.
• Experience with Primavera P6 and schedule logic.
• Working knowledge of RSMeans for estimate development and takeoffs.
• Experience developing and evaluating self-perform estimates.
• Experience qualifying subcontractors, vendors, and teaming partners.
• Technical writing capabilities.
• OSHA 30 Certification.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Professional & Physical Requirements

• Ability to learn new processes and work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong reading comprehension and ability to follow complex written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, subcontractors, vendors, owners, and other project stakeholders.
• Ability to perform effectively in deadline-driven environments.
• Regular attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to assess work for accuracy, completeness, and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel to construction sites and safely navigate active work areas when required.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and utilize construction personnel hoists when necessary.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to properly utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when visiting active construction sites.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary of $140,000 per year, based on experience.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Retirement Savings Program.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Paid Time Off.
• Paid training and professional certifications.
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities.

About Us

Semper Tek Inc. is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) committed to delivering high-quality construction projects on time and within budget. Our team supports complex projects through disciplined planning, accurate estimating, proactive problem-solving, and a commitment to serving our government and commercial partners with integrity.

Semper Tek Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.